THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE
Photograph by Willis T. Lee
A CAMPERS' PARADISE IN THE NEW TEXAS STATE PARK (SEE PAGE 301)
The precipitous limestone walls rise sheer from the waterholes, where the deer and bighorns
come down to drink and where an occasional bear, unaccustomed to the ways of man, comes to
inquire as to the state of the camp supplies.
are unattached, probably because of the
slight rocking motion imparted to them
by the water dripping from the ceiling
(see illustration, page 313).
Like real pearls, these cave pearls are
built up layer on layer by calcium carbon
ate deposited from the water. Some of
them have smooth, glistening surfaces;
others have a dull luster.
An alcove of unusual beauty was found
near the Rookery. We entered through a
maze of pendants, some of which were
destroyed in spite of all precautions.
Within the alcove is a pool of water so
beautifully adorned that we called it the
Nectar Fountain (see page 310).
PICTURESQUE MOUNTAINS AND DESERT
PLAINS
As exploration was extended beyond
the Rookery, we found that the basement
chambers turned and came back under
the middle of the Big Room.
The mountains and plains in the vicin-
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